Close Talker
Sometimes there's little time between getting to know a band and filming a session. It only ever happens though if I immediately like the music a lot. The Canadian band Close Talker have just released their new LP How Do We Stay Here and are heading out on a Canada and USA tour today, after just finishing their European run. On that run, we filmed this session where they covered Radiohead's All I Need.
American Aquarium
It was Anthony D'Amato who introduced me to American Aquarium. The singer from New York - who's releasing a new EP soon - said I had to check them out and so I did. It took a couple of listens for me to get dragged into their songs, but once it happened, there was no return. So I was obviously happy when AA's singer BJ Barham joined me at TakeRoot 2018 to record 'When We Were Younger Men' and Bruce Springsteen's 'Highway Patrolman'.
A New International
Musicians often ask me who they should listen to when we finish filming a session. Almost a hundred percent of the time I recommend the Scottish band A New International to them. Because they're simply brilliant. And lead singer Biff Smith is one of the most remarkable songwriters and performers I've ever witnessed. Sure, he's a very good friend, so I might be biased. But damn it, if he doesn't move you when he's on stage, you're officially dead inside.
Israel Nash
The times have been good for Israel Nash. He's focusing on the positive, rather than the negative. In this session he covered Neil Young and Radiohead. 'I’ve always known there would be something more, but I do think this is the chapter of finding out what that is. For now.’
Sam & Julia
After spending most of his childhood years living in Zimbabwe, Nicaragua and Ghana, Sam van Ommen moved to Amsterdam, where he attended a local jam session and met singer Julia Schellekens. They started talking that night, became instant friends and soon after found themselves in Julia’s room nervously playing each other their own songs. Now, four years later, Sam & Julia are becoming a more and more prominent band in the Dutch Americana scene, with a debut EP on Tim Knol’s label and a LP due in 2020.
Becca Mancari
Becca Mancari made one of my favourite records of 2017. There isn't a mediocre song on Good Woman. In fact, someone should really start a petition to rename it Great Woman. Anyway, it was a special kind of treat to have Mancari and her band cram themselves and their instruments into my room at TakeRoot festival last year, to record two songs and a rocking cover of Neil Young's Ohio.
